alternative to Pearl

Shunning the 45-minute wait at Pearl in Rockridge (the result of Michael Bauer's gusher in the Chronicle last Sunday)we headed south to Marica where we hadn't been in months. No wait at all. Exquisite pork dumplings. A subtle and stunning green curry. Knockout bouillabaise. Though we like Pearl, we all agreed we love Marica. Anyone tried the new (who can keep up with the new restaurant openings on College?) Cuvae next door?

This incredibly easy seafood dinner uses fresh pineapple and a teriyaki-style sauce for the classic sweet-and-tangy profile of Hawaiian shrimp. The pineapple also concentrates as it bakes and helps keep the rice mixture from becoming too dry.

A super hot pan, preheated under the broiler, will help to brown the underside of the steak while the broiler chars the top and cooks the meat through. The broccoli stems will become crisp-tender while the florets get deliciously frizzled.

For perfectly fried, mozzarella Arancini, dip a rice ball into flour and shake off any excess. Dip floured ball into egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finish by coating completely in breadcrumbs. Repeat.

Think of this as a lighter, fresher take on chicken Parmesan: We ditch the breading on the poultry and let juicy cherry tomatoes stand in for jarred pasta sauce. A little grated carrot adds just enough sweetness to round out the acidity.